Visit the NZ Transport Agency website
www.nzta.govt.nz
You are here: Home › Vehicle ownership › Trade plates light
Light vehicle safety check sheet
Vehicle safety check inspection requirements - light vehicles (GVM less than or equal to 3,500 kg)
| Item | Inspection requirements | Checked | Passed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall condition | Check the general condition of the vehicle visually. Check that there are no obvous signs that may indicate that the vehicle is unsafe | ||
| Steering system | Rotate the steering wheel back and forth quickly by 30 degrees abut it's straight ahead position. In addition, for power steering, with the engine running turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. There should be no abnormal noise, stiffness or looseness. | ||
| Power steering | Check the power steering for correct fluid level and for leaks. | ||
| Tyre pressure | Check all tyre pressures and set to manufacturer's recommended pressures. | ||
| Tyre condition | Check that all road tyres have at least the minimum legal tread depth and that there are no cuts or bulges on tyre treads or sidewalls. | ||
| Wheels and rims | Check that there is no wheel or rim damage that could affect safe operation of the vehicle. | ||
| Lighting system | Check that all lights function correctly and that there are no broken lamp lenses. Check headlight aim if the vehicle is to be driven at night. | ||
| Master cylinder and reservoir | Check for correct brake fluid level and for leaks. | ||
| Brake pedal | Check that there is no excessive brake pedal travel or softness. | ||
| Brake hydraulic system | Check the system integrity by putting full pressure on the brake pedal with the engine running and hold this for 20 seconds. There should be no creep of the pedal and there should be a minimum of 20% brake-pedal travel before it contacts the floor or any stop. | ||
| Service brakes (foot brake) | In a suitable location, check by driving the vehicle in a straight line on a level surface and lightly applying the foot brake. There should be no abnormal noise or knocking from the brakes, and no discernible pull on the steering wheel from the straight-ahead position. The vehicle should then be driven and the foot brake fully applied. Both front wheels should lock at the same time (unless ABS is fitted) and there should be no discernible deviation from the straight-ahead position. | ||
| Parking brake | Check the parking (hand) brake for excessive travel. Check that it will stop the vehicle. | ||
| Seatbelt condition | Check for each seatbelt fitted that the buckle fastens correctly, the webbing is not frayed and the anchorage bolts are secure. | ||
| Airbag system | Check for each airbag fitted that the warning lamp indicates the airbag is operating correctly. | ||
| Exhaust system | Check that there is no abnormal noise from the exhaust system that would suggest there is a leak or it is not properly mounted. | ||
| Windscreen and windscreen wipers | Check that the windscreen is not cracked in the vision area. Check that the windscreen washers and wipers are working and that the wiper blades are in good condition. | ||
| External projections /fittings | Check that there are no fittings or damage to the vehicle bodywork that could increase the risk of injury to pedestrians or other road users. | ||
| Rear-view mirror | Check that the interior mirror, and for a goods vehicle the external mirrors, is in good condition, adjustable and affords the driver a clear view of the road behind. |
Last updated: 20 January 2004